A year ago, Simon Harrington would rather have died than strip to his smalls and show off his body to the world.

Now the part-time DJ and musician can be seen proudly baring all in a male calendar with only a bass guitar to protect his modesty.

The reason for Simon's new-found confidence is his amazing weight loss of 10st - almost half his weight.

Simon tipped the scales at 21st before he started weight management classes in July, 2001. At his heaviest he weighed 25st.

Since then, Simon has swapped his three-nights-a-week Guinness and kebab-guzzling marathons for a healthy diet with only the odd pizza thrown in.

Simon had lost 10st on a previous diet. He said: "I just got to the point where I really wanted to do it. I put 5st five back on and I wanted to lose it again so I joined Slimming World.

"I was the only bloke there and they did mother me a bit. I wasn't really embarrassed because I'm such an upfront bloke, I didn't give a monkey's."

At school, Simon, from Hampden Park, Eastbourne, was a popular pupil and something of a class clown.

His popularity meant he was rarely the butt of teasing about his weight but as an adult he still felt self-conscious about stripping off on the beach.

Simon, 28, embarked on the Slimming World healthy eating plan and attended weekly classes at the Shinewater Sports and Community Centre in Milfoil Drive, Eastbourne, spurred on by his fiancee Deborah.

He achieved his goal weight in time for the couple's wedding last month.

He said: "I still stick to it. It's just a way of life now. I wouldn't dream of coming home and having a big plate of sausages and mash."

Nicky Buckman, Slimming World class consultant, said: "When Simon joined my class he was nervous at first but he soon realised he was among friends. It didn't take him long to settle in. Now he is an inspiration to everyone."

Simon can be seen in all his glory in the Slimming World Super Men 2003 calendar as Mr July.

Another slimmer with cause for a celebration is Janet Bosworth, a soap opera fan who shed 6st and was rewarded by meeting one of her Coronation Street heroes.

Janet, 55, of Lucerne Close, Portslade, got a cuddle from Corrie bad boy Joe Carter, alias actor Jonathan Wrather, after being hailed Slimming World's Sussex Woman of the Year.

She dropped four dress sizes in a year as her weight fell from 16st to 10st.

She was prompted to lose weight after a close friend died following a heart attack.

Her achievement was recognised with a visit to Slimming World's head office in Derby last weekend, where she got to meet Jonathan.

She said: "I am a real fan of Corrie so it was a big thrill to meet Jonathan. He is even more handsome in real life."

Jonathan, whose ex-convict, womanising character is Mike Baldwin's new sidekick, said: "In real life I'm a much nicer guy - honest. It was a real pleasure to meet Janet.

"I was blown away by what she has achieved. She should be really proud of herself."

Janet, who attends a class at the Parish Centre in South Street, Portslade, was one of 35 winners chosen from 250,000 Slimming World members across Britain.

The same class also produced the Sussex Woman of the Year two years ago, when Sam Barrey won.

Shane Blissett, who runs the sessions, said: "It has been a real privilege to help Janet. She has such a great attitude."

The overall national Woman of the Year will be announced later this month.